Visitors to New Zealand 'should explore the wilderness and cities'

Aussies planning to load up their travel cash cards and head to New Zealand have been advised to ensure they explore the nation's cities as well as the stunning mountains, rivers and beaches.

Charles Rawlings-Way, author of Lonely Planet's New Zealand guidebook, said those who want to find out about the country's Maori culture should try heading to Rotorura.

City-slickers who want to blow the funds on their prepaid travel cards may want to head to Auckland, which he said has "fantastic restaurants, a gorgeous harbour and plenty of shopping and pumping nightlife".

"On the wild side, take a 'tramp' (hike, or bushwalk) into the wilderness [with] remote beaches, snow-capped mountains, thundering river gorges – they're all here," he stated.

Mr Rawlings-Way also recommended Wellington for its "street-cred" and Christchurch, which he said has still retained its "cultured poise" despite the recent earthquake.

Those who plan to head overseas may be more tempted to opt for a travel debit card than credit card, as CommSec economist Savanth Sebastian recently told news.com.au that Aussies are still conservative regarding their spending and that debit card transaction numbers have risen recently.

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